Iranian

American  

[ih-rey-nee-uhn, ih-rah-, ahy-rey-] / ɪˈreɪ ni ən, ɪˈrɑ-, aɪˈreɪ- /

Also Irani

adjective

1. of or relating to Iran, its inhabitants, or their language.

2. of or relating to the Iranian languages.

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noun

1. a subbranch of the Indo-European family of languages, including especially Persian, Pashto, Avestan, and Kurdish.

2. an inhabitant of Iran; Persian.

Iranian British  

/ ɪˈreɪnɪən /

noun

1. a native, citizen, or inhabitant of Iran

2. a branch of the Indo-European family of languages, divided into West Iranian (including Old Persian, Pahlavi, modern Persian, Kurdish, Baluchi, and Tajik) and East Iranian (including Avestan, Sogdian, Pashto, and Ossetic)

3. Also: Persian.   Farsi.  the modern Persian language

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adjective

1. relating to, denoting, or characteristic of Iran, its inhabitants, or their language; Persian

2. belonging to or relating to the Iranian branch of Indo-European

Other Word Forms

• anti-Iranian adjective
• pro-Iranian adjective
• pseudo-Iranian adjective
• trans-Iranian adjective

Etymology

Origin of Iranian

First recorded in 1835–45; Iran + -ian

Example Sentences

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi is to arrive in Islamabad late Friday, Iranian state media and an official source in Pakistan said.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Nearly 900 strikes in 12 hours targeted Iranian military infrastructure, air defenses, and regime leadership simultaneously.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

A day earlier, Iran's navy said it had seized two cargo ships in the strait and taken them to the country's coast after reports that three vessels came under fire from Iranian forces.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

On Wednesday an Iranian government spokesperson said the team is preparing for “proud and successful participation” in the World Cup.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Every time I look at it, I feel like a proud Iranian.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi